Life under Graham Potter began in the most spectacular fashion for Brighton, as they thrashed Watford by three goals to nil
The Seagulls took a deserved lead on the half-hour mark after they won possession in the Watford half, and Abdoulaye Doucoure could only turn Pascal Groß’ driven cross into his own net.
New signing Neal Maupay put the game beyond doubt in the 77th minute with a lovely finish, condemning Watford to a humiliating opening day defeat.
Watford
Key Talking Point
Watford limped over the Premier League finish line last season, with one eye on the FA Cup final. However, their Wembley visit was a nightmare, and they look to be suffering a hangover following their 6-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City in May.
The Hornets have done brilliantly to hold on to their best players this summer, and have invested wisely, but Javi Gracia's side looked sluggish and clueless throughout the match.
Talisman Gerard Deulofeu was hooked at half-time, and his teammates struggled equally as they were unable to create many clear-cut chances, even when chasing the game. Watford need to wake up from their slumber, before the sleep-walk into an unexpected relegation battle.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Pereyra (4), Success (5)
STAR MAN - It was hard to pick a star man in the midst of such a dismal result and performance, but striker Andre Gray never stopped running for his side. The 28-year-old was starved of supply in front of goal, and was unlucky to have one effort blocked by Brighton's superb defensive rearguard.
#Watfordfc rejected #efc’s bid to sign #Doucoure during the window. It’s proved costly today as he’s just put Brighton in front with a terrible own goal. #WATBHA
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) August 10, 2019
Damn West Ham, Watford and Everton really gonna get relegated this year huh? Crazy.
— Across the Pond (@acrossthepond) August 10, 2019
#Watfordfc rejected #efc’s bid to sign #Doucoure during the window. It’s proved costly today as he’s just put Brighton in front with a terrible own goal. #WATBHA
— Simon Johnson (@sjstandardsport) August 10, 2019
Brighton
Key Talking Point
All eyes were on Brighton this summer after the sacking of Chris Hughton, while the appointment of Graham Potter raised eyebrows given his lack of experience at the highest level.
If Potter is able to get results along with Brighton’s easy-on-the-eye football, the Seagulls’ supporters will be in for an exciting season under their new gaffer.
Player Ratings
Starting XI:
Substitutes: Andone (8), Maupay (8), Bernardo (N/A)
STAR MAN -
The 30-year-old shielded his three centre-backs expertly, and allowed Martin Montoya the freedom to wreak havoc down the Seagull's left-hand side. His positioning and awareness was flawless as he consistently broke up play and allowed his teammates to benefit from the turnover in possession. An excellent display and a sign of things to come under Potter.
I wasn't happy with the sacking Chris Hughton but it's clear Graham Potter is doing something different.
— Olumide Lawal(DeBOL) (@DeBOLx) August 10, 2019
Let's wait & see how the season goes anyway.
#WATBHA
— VAOWFN (@vaowfn) August 10, 2019
Graham Potter's Brighton are very likely to avoid the drop if they continue to play as boldly as this for the remainder of the season.
Graham Potter's tactics has Brighton & Hove Albion looking like a genuine goal threat.#BHA #GrahamPotter
Watford haven’t lost their opening league match since the 2006/7 season...
— Emily Wadge (@EmilyWadge) August 10, 2019
Opening day win ✅
Win AWAY from home ✅
Scored from open play ✅
3 goals ✅
Clean sheet ✅
What a start to the season! #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/UYThCfJzwR
#WATBHA
— VAOWFN (@vaowfn) August 10, 2019
Graham Potter's Brighton are very likely to avoid the drop if they continue to play as boldly as this for the remainder of the season.
Graham Potter's tactics has Brighton & Hove Albion looking like a genuine goal threat.#BHA #GrahamPotter
Looking Ahead
Hornets boss Gracia will demand to see a much-improved performance next week, as his side travel to Everton where they will hope to put things right against ex-Watford manager Marco Silva.
Potter will be delighted with his side's opening-day display, and confidence will be high as they welcome Manuel Pellegrini’s West Ham to the Amex stadium next weekend – especially after the Hammers' 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City earlier on Saturday.
Source: 90min